Reimagining urban communities through water sensitive urbanism: case of Mylapore Chennai

Abstract

In the present context, exponential growth of population rapid urbanization has led to the misuse of natural resources. This poses many interrelated factors that deal with ecology, land, economy and cultural contexts of the cities. Urban flooding and availability of water for daily purposes are rising as major concerns in India today. India is a fast-growing economy, with high population, less renewable water sources and high dependence on groundwater. Chennai, India’s fourth most populous urban agglomeration receives more than enough rain to supply its population of almost ten million people, but two thirds of the surface of modern Chennai has been sealed by concrete. Apart from this, unregulated development over the surrounding wetlands has led to flooding as there is permeable surface to soak up the rainwater. This has led to rainfall flowing straight into the sea rather than soaking into the ground and recharging the aquifer. The objective is to harness these water sources through hydrological systems, nature-based solutions and water urbanism. The approach is to deal with a system that combines the natural edges with the urban edge. These complex, interrelated issues require a design-driven, integrative, and systems based approach, one grounded in a deep understanding of social life, political context, and spatial thinking. The targets that need to be dealt with include preservation of existing ecology – rivers, canals and wetlands, prevention of floods by creating permeable surfaces throughout the urban environment and maintenance of sanitation and hygiene. The site context considered for the demonstration is Mylapore, Chennai. Mylapore is a neighborhood in the central part of the city of Chennai. It is one of the oldest residential localities. Modern development patterns in this historic core of Chennai have erased the functionality and knowledge of its temple tanks. But with a brilliant existing water infrastructure and ideal soil conditions, there is no reason for Mylapore to be left vulnerable to floods and droughts as it has in recent years. The context of this locality has the Buckingham canal, an ancient water system built by the British, which now lies unused, has led to dumping of waste and informal settlement clusters. Mylapore houses one of the oldest temples of Chennai, with a large tank that was used in ancient times as water source. Today, the area around the tank has been encroached by high-rise buildings and commercial development,leaving the tank dried up for many months together. A sustainable water network for the city can be achieved by understanding traditional water systems, integration of modern techniques, and allowing groundwater recharge through permeable green surfaces. The desired outcome would improve public spaces for adults and children, street networks, micro-climate and an overall enriched community.